How Metro Vancouver can realistically reduce plastic pollution in the ocean

It’s hard to miss the impact of plastic in our oceans. You can see for yourself in waterways throughout the world. And it’s all over social media, the news and documentary films like A Plastic Ocean.

Current trends suggest that by mid-century the weight of plastic in our oceans could surpass the biomass of all fish. In response, global solutions are emerging to keep plastics out of the waste stream and out of our water.

As the images of polluted seas, littered beaches, and struggling marine life demonstrate, it’s a huge global issue. But there is hope for change – at Metro Vancouver’s upcoming Zero Waste Conference, where you’ll get to hear ideas and be inspired by the scientists and entrepreneurs leading the way toward real solutions.

Topics include the Ocean Pollution Research Collaborative, a joint project by Metro Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium, and Mountain Equipment Co-op, which is studying the extent and impact of “micro-plastics” in our oceans.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from the expert perspectives of Richard Thompson, professor of Marine Biology and associate dean of research at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Mats Linder from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, CEO of Full Cycle Bioplastics, Andrew Falcon, president and CEO of PAC Packaging Association and vice chair of the National Zero Waste Council, Jim Downham, plus many more industry leading panelists.

This year’s theme is “A Circular Economy Within Reach,” featuring panel discussions on the latest in food waste reduction, textile recycling, plastics, business innovation, and circular cities (looking at how cities are moving toward being more sustainable).

The Circular Economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.

As a result, the Circular Economy approach offers us the most realistic way of reaching our goals of eliminating waste and working more productively.

So whether you’re part of a government body, a forward-looking business, or seeking a greater understanding of key sustainability trends, it’s beneficial for you to attend the conference, so you can what to expect with the move to zero waste and the Circular Economy. After all, the shift to the Circular Economy will have impacts in all aspect of our lives. Tickets to the Zero Waste Conference cost $200 each and you can snap up yours now via rsvpBOOK.

Get informed on the key topics that will be addressed before the conference by visiting Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Conference blog.